Send me email updates about messages I've received on the site and the latest news from The CafeMom Team.
By signing up, you certify that you are female and accept the Terms of Service and have read the
Privacy Policy.

Do you know anyone who might be at risk of developing fungal meningitis?

Yikes! A deadly meningitis outbreak
already sounds like pretty much the worst kind of outbreak that can,
um, break out. But the numbers make it sound even worse: So far, the
current epidemic has sickened 105 people across 9 states, killing 8. And then there's the scariest number of all: As many as 13,000
people might have been exposed to this "rarely seen" strain of fungal
meningitis. Yikes! How did this whole thing start -- and who needs to
worry about it?!

Well, here's the good news: Fungal meningitis is not spread from person to person.

Nope, this outbreak has been linked to steroid spinal injections, which were sent to clinics in 23 states. All three contaminated lots of methylprednisolone acetate steroid, which is used to treat back pain,
have been recalled, but there's no telling how many of the shots
already administered may have contained the meningitis-causing fungus.
(Note: These are NOT the same steroid shots given to women during
childbirth.)

So if you haven't received any steroid injections lately, you're
probably in the clear. Just in case, you should know that some of the symptoms of fungal meningitis differ from the symptoms of regular meningitis -- here's what to look for (some patients exhibit just one or two of these):

Headache

Fever

Nausea

Stiffness of the neck

Confusion

Dizziness

Discomfort from bright lights

Symptoms have been appearing between one and four weeks
after patients received the shots. If you have any fears, get to the
doctor asap: Fungal meningitis is potentially treatable! (Usually by
intravenous high-dose antifungal medications.)

Do you know anyone who might be at risk of developing fungal meningitis?

About two weeks ago, my sister had to be rushed in for severe back pain (she lives in CA). She did get a shot and some pain meds. Thankfully (knock on wood), so far so good. She still has a lot of back pain, but shows no signs of being given that particular shot.

Send me email updates about messages I've received on the site and the latest news from The CafeMom Team.
By signing up, you certify that you are female and accept the Terms of Service and have read the
Privacy Policy.